CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Congenital heart disease includes various diseases that affect the heart and the circulatory system. They include:

Coronary artery disease or CAD – most common variety; main cause of heart attacks; arteries narrow and harden; difficult for blood to reach the heart; can cause angina

Angina – a chest discomfort or pain (squeezing or pressing; indigestion) that warns that the heart is not getting enough blood; can cause heart attacks; pain located in chest, shoulders, back, jaw, neck and arms

Heart attack – the severe blockage of an artery, preventing blood from reaching the heart for over 20 minutes

Heart failure – heart stops pumping, but does not stop working; is unable to properly pump blood around body; other organs are starved of blood also; patients can have shortness of breath, swollen legs/feet/ankles, fatigue

Sometimes the on set of heart disease comes in as a silent killer. There may be no warnings or symptoms at all. However, it is important to take notice of these:

Chest pains

Arm pains

Shortness of breath

Dizziness

Nausea

Heartbeat abnormality or fluttering

Extreme tiredness

Mention these to your doctor and get tests done. In families with a history of heart disease, the risk of having it is higher.

Emergency symptoms to watch for:

Note that these factors may indicate a heart attack in men or women. Women may only get one or even mild versions of these. Immediate emergency medical attention is essential. These symptoms can include:

Discomfort or pain in central chest

Discomfort or pain in arms, neck, back, jaw, stomach and upper body

Shortness of breath

Cold sweats

Nausea

Faintness

Wooziness

Extreme tiredness – may be the only symptom experienced by a woman

Sleeping difficulties – may be the only symptom experienced by a woman

Mild breathing problems – may be the only symptom experienced by a woman